Lipid residual cardiovascular risk parameters in patients with familial hypercholesterolemia - importance of triglyceride to high-density lipoprotein ratio

Abstract

Introduction. Familial hipercholesterolemia is monogenetic disorder associated with early onset of cardiovascular disease. The measurement of low density cholesterol is the primary therapeutic goal in familial hypercholesterolemia patients, but despite the lipid-lowering therapy cardiovascular disease still occurs. It became clear that it?s necessary to consider residual cardiovascular risk. The aim of study was to evaluate residual cardiovascular risk in familial hipercholesterolemia. Material and Methods. In this cross-sectional study we included 291 familial hipercholesterolemia patients with and without previously diagnosed diabetes. Based on value of the Dutch Lipid Clinical Network score criteria, familial hipercholesterolemia patients without diabetes was further divided into: possible (3-5 points), probable (6-8 points), and definite (>8 points) familial hypercholesterolemia. Triglyceride to high density cholesterol ratio, non-HDL-cholesterol and remnant cholesterol were used as parameters of lipid residual cardiovascular risk. Results. We found statistically significant differences in total cholesterol, low and high density cholesterol, triglycerides and apolipoprotein B between the groups (p>0.05). The definite and probable group had higher non-HDL-cholesterol values than possible and familial hypercholesterolemia with diabetes (p<0.01) groups. Familial hypercholesterolemia with diabetes group had higher values of triglyceride to high density cholesterol ratio and remnant cholesterol than definite and probable group (p<0.01). Regression analysis showed that triglyceride to high density cholesterol ratio was independent predictor of appearance of coronary artery disease in addition to elevated low density cholesterol and non-HDL-cholesterol (p<0.01). Conclusion. Triglyceride to high density cholesterol ratio is the most important parameter of the lipid residual cardiovacular risk that strongly linked with cardiovascular disease in familal hypercholesterolemia patients, especially with associated diabetes.